FAC Program

Show Information

ANTIGONE
By Sophocles
Translated by Robert Fagles

Any photos, video, and/or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.

No intermisison.

Age Recommendation: 13 and up for mature themes of justice, civil disobedience, and death; best suited for middle school and up with contextual understanding.

From the President

Dear Audience Members,

It’s great to have you with us. The 2025–26 performing arts season is a blend of outstanding music, comedy, dance, and drama sure to entertain and rouse the emotions while reminding us all of everything we love about the arts.

Each production is made possible through the hard work and support of our staff, volunteers, students, faculty, benefactors, sponsors, the FSPA whose vision and courage made the Fine Arts Center possible, and of course, you—our patrons. Thank you to everyone for your crucial role in making Viterbo University the premier destination for the arts in the region.

If you have not yet had the pleasure, I would like to extend a personal invitation to attend one of our Conservatory for the Performing Arts productions this season. The immense talent of our students always makes me extremely proud.

Now, on with the show!

“Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley signature
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President

Conservatory Note

Welcome to our 2025-26 season at the Conservatory!

Great stories and great music have the power to touch lives, inspire hope, and create community and a sense of belonging. This season, our stages will be alive with bold, heartfelt work from the extraordinary young artists in our Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Music programs.

From timeless classics to fresh new works, from joyful celebrations to thought-provoking journeys, every performance reflects the passion, courage, and artistry of students refining their creative voices. And you—our audience—are the essential ingredient that turns their hard work from “just another rehearsal” into something extraordinary.

By joining us, you’re not only experiencing the magic of live performance—you’re helping shape the next generation of artists who will carry that magic into communities across the country and around the world. Thank you for believing, as we do, in the power of the arts to surprise, to connect, to transform, and to inspire.

Rick Walters
Rick Walters signature
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts

Director's Note

Antigone is the second play written but the third play chronologically in Sophocles’ Theban trilogy, yet they were not written consecutively for a Dionysian festival. Additionally, Aeschylus's Seven of Thebes fits right between the timeline of the second (Oedipus at Colonus) and the third (Antigone) plays, making the Theban story not a trilogy but a long tale with many chapters. Antigone, as far as we are aware, is the final chapter of the curses set upon Thebes in conjunction with the fall of the House of Cadmus.

This play, however, fits beautifully as a stand-alone tale, questioning the rules and order of power through the state in contrast to morality, fate, and doing the right thing. Our production is not attempting to recreate or hypothesize a performance or oratory style from circa 2,500 years ago, but to demonstrate that these stories we’ve been telling each other for millennia are still relevant. We may have never listened to nor learned from the sacrifice these ancestral stories are telling.

I ask that we all peer into the shadows of our past, to see ourselves, a perpetually shared fate, our humanity, and are the rules of the state in conflict with our divine selves.

–Benjamin Gonzales

Cast

Antigone: Malia Meyer

Ismene: Sydney Ellis

Creon: Samual Asid

Haemon: Thomas Rise

Tiresias: Ayawyn Conner

Eurydice (U/S Ismene): Hailey Fernandes

Chorus Leader/Nyx: Carley Clover

Messenger: Alanna Sawall

Sentry: Connie Buhl

Chorus/Clotho: Madalaine Brown

Chorus/Atropos (U/S Antigone): Vee Jacobson

Chorus/Lachesis (U/S Chorus Leader and Eurydice): Jamie Allen

U/S = Understudy

Production Team

Director: Benjamin Gonzales

Fight Choreographer: Mike Speck

Production Stage Manager: Alex Attardo

Costume Designer: Jen Brown

Scenic Designer: Sadie Ward

Lighting Designer: Patrick M. Strain

Sound Designer/Composer: Leo Chavolla Barrera

Sound Engineer: Leo Chavolla Barrera

Properties Designer: Xavier Carnicom

Hair and Makeup Designer: Annie Voss

Production Manager: Jason Underferth

Technical Director: Chad Kolbe

Assistant Stage Manager: Madalaine Brown, Connor Martin

Choral Choreographer: Carley Clover

Fight Captain: Madalaine Brown

Lead Electrician: Jason Underferth

Costume Shop Supervisor: Jen Brown

Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt

Assistant Costume Designer: AJ Murphy

Costume Run Crew Supervisor: Claire Capra

Shadow Specialist/Consultant: Kristin Schoenecker

Production Crew

Light Board Operator: Natalynn McNabb

Sound/ Microphones: Aerin Gotts, Davin Williams, Angel Hernandez

Sound Run/Microphones: Grace Lehner, Evan Thomas

Costume Run Crew: Addie Snyder, Cooper Langer, Faye Muma, Alanna Wagner

Scenic Run Crew: Tyler Barnes, Bonnie Gentry, Roella Weiss, Henri Copus

Props Run Crew: Lucas Wienken, David Dewey

Costume Build Crew: Sydney Ellis, Braeden Jackson, Xavier Carnicom, Isaac Glen, Kayla Taylor, Annie Voss, Malia Meyer, Laurelle Bandy, Braydon Dayne, Carley Clover, Bonnie Gentry, Vee Jacobson, AJ Murphy, Addie Snyder, Jen Brown, Anna Graham, Lisa Lock

Scenic Build and Lighting Crew: Ayawyn Conner, Afton Fuson, Isabella Lambert, Hailee Elwell, Alanna Sawall, Samual Asid, Roella Weiss, Ash Williams, Trey'lon Salley, Sony Vassor, Selma Olsen, Naomi Joseph

Prop Build Crew: Vee Jacobson, Xavier Carnicom, Katie Kostner, Helen Riddle, Kayden Kloehn, Thomas Rise, Rubie Stetzer, Selma Olsen

Chorus/Lachesis (U/S Chorus Leader and Eurydice)

Jamie Allen

is a sophomore musical theatre major with minors in playwrighting and arts administration from the Twin Cities. They are hyped to be a part of this season at Viterbo! Past projects include being assistant stage manager for The SpongeBob Musical at Viterbo, Go Girl North with Student Theatre Project, The Prom at Burnsville Summer Theatre, Dance Kaleidoscope and more! @gumthursday

Creon

Samual Asid

is a junior theatre major. His previous credits include Alfred in Viterbo's production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Booker in STP's Go Girl North and Don Pedro in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. Over the summer, he played Paris in cwACT's Romeo and Juliet. He also spends his time working in the scene shop and helping lead the improv club/team. He is thrilled to be continuing his time here at Viterbo! @sami_asid

Sentry

Connie Buhl

is a musical theatre major with minors in dance and ASL. She is honored to perform as The Sentry in this year's production of Antigone. Favorite credits include Sylvia in All Shook Up and Alice in The Addams Family with Tartan Theatre, as well as Viterbo Dance Kaleidoscope 2025. She also cherished her experience as assistant vocal director for Hadestown (Summer 2025). She is deeply grateful for the opportunities she has been given and gives all glory to God for guiding her journey (1 Corinthians 10:31). @constance_buhl

Chorus Leader/Nyx/ Choral Choreographer

Carley Clover

is a junior musical theatre major with a minor in dance. Past Viterbo credits include Bat Boy: The Musical (Swing), Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (U/S Beggar Woman), and The Spongebob Musical (Mrs. Puff). She is also a part of multiple communities around Viterbo including the costume shop, residence life, STP, and tour guiding. She would like to thank her family, friends, and faculty for their ongoing support. "Chi-Miigwetch!" @carleyclover

Tiresias

Ayawyn Conner

is a sophomore theatre major. She began her theatre career at the age of 10, when participating in community theatre inspired her love of the stage. She has recently worked backstage for Viterbo's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in addition to running the soundboard for Mozart's operatic masterpiece, The Marriage of Figaro. When she isn't on the stage, she loves to spend time writing, playing chess, and volunteering for her church. She is honored to pursue her dreams with the Viterbo community.

Ismene

Sydney Ellis

is a junior musical theatre major with minors in theatre tech and design and dance. Past Viterbo credits include Featured Dancer in Godspell, Tragedian in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Assistant Costume Designer for both Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Marriage of Figaro. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support, and dedicate this performance to her uncle Richard. @sydneygraceellis

Eurydice (U/S Ismene)

Hailey Fernandes

is a junior musical theatre major. Her past productions at Viterbo include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and The SpongeBob Musical. She also recently had a blast with her first stage managing experience for Dance Kaleidoscope. She wants to thank her family for their endless support and is excited for new opportunities this year. @hailey_fernandes

Chorus/Atropos (U/S Antigone)

Vee Jacobson

is a sophomore theatre major known for their vibrant energy and joyful presence both on and off the stage. They served as assistant director for the song cycle Edges and brought humor and heart to the role of narrator Silas in Go Girl North. This year, Jacobson is thrilled to take the stage in Antigone and continue exploring their craft. Jacobson feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow as an artist within Viterbo's supportive, challenging, and creatively inspiring theatre community. @vee_jacobson

Antigone

Malia Meyer

is a junior theatre major with a minor in tech and design from South St. Paul, Minnesota. Past Viterbo credits include Tragedian in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Assistant Costume Designer for The SpongeBob Musical, and she also directed Go Girl North for the Student Theatre Project last year. She is very excited to be back for her third year! @maliadmeyer

Haemon

Thomas Rise

is from Rosemount, Minnesota, and is happy to return for his sophomore year. He is a theatre major with a minor in music, and he is excited to make his debut as Haemon in Antigone during Viterbo's 2025 Fall Semester. Favorite past roles include Quasimodo in Starlight Productions' The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Crutchie in CastleCo Theatre's Newsies. Thank you to everyone who supports me in these endeavors, and thank you for supporting college theater! @thomaskg1029

Director

Benjamin Gonzales

is an assistant professor teaching in the areas of theatre history and literature, playwriting, and directing at Viterbo University. He is proud to have received the Teacher of the Year at Viterbo for the 2024–25 academic year. This is his 23rd year as an instructor/professor (4th at Viterbo), directing, designing plays, and teaching classes in playwriting, lighting, sound, directing, theatrical literature, theatre history, and design fundamentals and aesthetics. Gonzales earned an MA in teaching from Washington State University, and an MFA in Theatre Arts (focused on dramatic writing) from the University of Idaho. He specializes in writing verbatim plays that highlight the stories of communities who have in some way been marginalized.

He currently serves as the national chair of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival's (KCACTF) National Playwriting Program (NPP) and has previously served as the inaugural Representation, Equity, and Diversity (RED) Chair/Coordinator for KCACTF.

Plays written by Gonzales include: The Lion and Lamb (2016), Memoria de Oaxaca (2017), Up Chimacum Creek (2018), VOUCHer (2018), The Good Soldier (2018), Sour Mash (2019), and An Enemy of the People (2025).

Fight Choreographer

Mike Speck

is a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, currently teaching stage combat styles at Viterbo as an adjunct. Previous Viterbo fight credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Pirates of Penzance, The Pajama Game, and Footloose. Favorite credits elsewhere include a six-man sword fight choreographed as a theme-and-variations; a musical brawl incorporating Latin dance, thrown drinks, and set changes; a 6'2" Tybalt vs a 4'10" Mercutio; and a case of rapiers fight where phrase IV's choreography was "phrase II, but backwards." Acting credits include work at the Guthrie Theatre, Theatre at Monmouth, Tent Theatre, and the Lost Colony.

Production Stage Manager

Alex Attardo

is an alum of Viterbo University's Conservatory for the Performing Arts, where they earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education. In the Coulee Region, Attardo has worked extensively as a director, program developer, educator, choreographer, stage manager, intimacy director, and designer at numerous theatres. After graduating from Viterbo, they spent time in Orlando, serving in education and management roles at Walt Disney World before returning to La Crosse where they currently serve as the patron services manager at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. Since returning to La Crosse, Attardo has brought to life productions including Steel Magnolias, Ruby's Story, Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, Oliver!, Carnival!, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 60 Minute, Mean Girls High School Version, Lion King Kids, Cinderella Youth Edition, Comeback, A Doll's House Part II, Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde High School Edition, Matilda JR., Aristocats Kids, Honk JR., Mitzi's Abortion, The Long Christmas Dinner, Rent, The Few, Avenue Q, and Avenue Q School Edition.

Costume Designer/ Costume Shop Supervisor

Jen Brown

is a designer whose work spans a wide range of theatrical productions. Over the years, she has collaborated with a variety of established theaters, including the Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts, the Commonweal Theatre Company, the University of Madison Theatre Department, and the Children's Theatre of Madison in both costume and properties design.

Through her innovative approach to costume design, she has brought countless characters to life, enhancing the storytelling with carefully crafted, visually striking costumes. Some of her favorite design credits include Three Sisters, Charley's Aunt, Our Town, Failure: A Love Story, Measure for Measure, The Hello Girls, and She Kills Monsters.

As a 1999 graduate of Viterbo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design, she is known for her versatility and her ability to design across both dramatic and music theatre. Above all, she is driven by a passion for creating designs that not only support but elevate the artistic vision of each production.

Scenic Designer

Sadie Ward

is a Minneapolis-based theatre designer. She has degrees in theatre studies and arts administration from Viterbo University and a diploma in architectural technology from Minneapolis College. She also works as a theatre lighting and AV specialist at Schuler Shook. sadieward.weebly.com/

Lighting Designer

Patrick M. Strain

has been one of La Crosse's friendly neighborhood lighting designers since moving to the area in 2015 and he has lit a number of Viterbo's shows since then, including Footloose, The Pajama Game, Into the Woods, Cats!, Oklahoma! and last season's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and The Marriage of Figaro. He has designed scenery and lighting for a variety of theatres around the Midwest, a few on the East Coast and even one in Germany. Trivia about Strain includes that he was one of the scenic artists to paint the "town hall" at ETC world headquarters in Middleton and he was the lighting designer on the first community theatre production of Les Miserables (2001 at the Roadside Theatre in Heidelberg, Germany).

Sound Designer/Composer/ Sound Engineer

Leo Chavolla Barrera

is a technician and artist specialized in theatre technology and design. He takes pride in collaborating with passionate teams to create impactful artwork. His latest work includes assistant sound design for Finn at the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences, sound design for The Arcadians and Me and My Girl at the Ohio Light Opera. He is proud to have represented our theatre community at the 2024 KCACTF National Festival, where his sound design for Dr. Faustus earned the national sound design award. When not behind an audio console, he enjoys playing trombone and bass in pit orchestras, including Cabaret at UW-La Crosse and Viterbo's production of Young Frankenstein. He would like to thank Justin Schmitz, Christopher Plummer, Jeff Sherwood, and Ben Golden for their mentorship and support. Special thanks to Obi Chavolla and Bryan Fleming for their help bringing the score to life. www.ChavollaDesign.com

Properties Designer

Xavier Carnicom

is a junior musical theatre major with minors in music and technical theatre and design. He has recently appeared in the Conservatory's productions of Godspell (We Beseech Thee Soloist), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Vocalist), and The SpongeBob Musical (Ensemble/SpongeBob u/s). Most recently, he spent this last summer with the Great Plains Theatre in Kansas, where he performed in Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble/Hugo/Jesse u/s). Beyond the stage, he enjoys painting, thrifting, and spending time with friends! He is deeply grateful for his family and for their constant love and support. @xcarnicom03

Hair and Makeup Designer

Annie Voss

is a junior musical theatre major with minors in dance as well as tech and design. She is so excited and grateful to be back on the Viterbo stage doing what she loves. Past credits include, most recently, Carrie in Carrie: The Musical (SoWashCo Summerstock), Suzie Groove/Ensemble in The SpongeBob Musical, Dancer in Godspell, and Hair/Makeup designer for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Viterbo University). She would like to give a huge shoutout to her family and friends for their love and support, she couldn't do it without them. Enjoy the show! @annievoss_

Production Manager/ Lead Electrician

Jason Underferth

is a seasoned lighting designer with over two decades of experience lighting the stages of the Midwest. He dedicated over a decade to shaping the theatrical landscape as the production manager and lighting design lecturer at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. During his tenure, he artfully designed the visual components for more than 40 shows. Most recent designs include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street and Godspell at Viterbo. Now embarking on his fourth year at Viterbo, Underferth is eager to continue in his roll as the production manager for the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He looks forward to creating memorable experiences for the Conservatory's upcoming performances through his designs. www.UnderferthDesign.com

Technical Director

Chad Kolbe

is an associate professor of theatre in his 20th year teaching at Viterbo. He teaches design and technology courses such as Stage Craft, Design Basic, Fundamentals of Technical Theatre, Theatre Practicum, and Stage Lighting. He also serves as technical director and lighting designer for the theatre and music theatre department. Before beginning his journey at Viterbo, he served as instructor and technical director at The University of Northern Iowa. For six years, he served as the technical director for the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas, and before that he served three years as carpenter, head rigger, and assistant technical director for The Des Moines Metro Opera. He enjoys time with family and being outside exploring all La Crosse and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Assistant Stage Manager

Connor Martin

is a senior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration from Hartford. Viterbo credits: The SpongeBob Musical (Squidward), Godspell (Judas), The Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police), and 42nd Street (Ensemble). Regional credits: The Fireside Theatre, Hope Repertory Theatre, Kids From Wisconsin, Capital City Theatre, The Palace Theater. On campus, he is the president of Student Government Assocation (SGA), a representative for Student Theatre Project (STP), a tour guide, and a social media ambassador. "Thank you to my family, friends, and faculty for their continued love and support." @connorjoseph.m/ connorjosephm.com

Assistant Costume Designer

AJ Murphy

is a junior musical theatre major with minors in dance and theatre design. Her past credits at Viterbo include Bat Boy: The Musical and The SpongeBob Musical. This fall, she is very excited to assistant costume design the play Antigone. When she's not on stage you'll probably find her running, drawing, getting coffee, or dancing around her apartment with her friends. @ajazzy.murphy

Costume Run Crew Supervisor

Claire Capra

is a senior musical theatre major from the suburbs of Chicago. She is thrilled to be a part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone involved. Previously at Viterbo, she has performed in These Shining Lives, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 42nd Street, and The Pirates of Penzance. She also had the pleasure of stage managing Tar Beach. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support, as well as her peers, professors, and the production team for making this opportunity possible. @theclairecapra

Shadow Specialist/Consultant

Kristin Schoenecker

is from the La Crosse area and grew up in and around the music and performance scene here in the Midwest. She is so excited to be back at Viterbo for her second year as a musical theatre major. With backgrounds in show choir, dance, theatre and contemporary music, she hopes to continue to entertain and create media that inspires others. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support throughout the years. @KristinSchoenecker

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